FortWorthChild February 2020

FORTWORTH

T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N TA R R A N T C O U N T Y

F E B R U A R Y 2020

MEET FASHION DESIGNER

SHERIDAN FRENCH

ICELAND FOR FAMILIES

+

THE RESULTS ARE IN! BEST: MOMS & BABIES WINNERS

19

EVENTS TO LOVE IN FEBRUARY

TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TONGUE-TIE

DATE RIGHT HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG

There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to a newborn baby.

When you’re a new or expecting parent, the questions never end.

At Cook Children’s, our pediatricians are here to help you answer all of them.

newborncenter.org

pages / F E B R U A R Y

2020 FORTWORTH

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 5 Loosen Their Tongues

Tongue-tie can lead to lifelong problems, so why does it often go untreated?

REAL MOMS

9 ABOVE // Designer Sheridan French reflects on the past and looks toward the future with her four children.

FEATURES

16

16 Connect More

How to strengthen the relationship with your spouse after kids words Sundey McClendon

Drumroll, please … Here are the winners of our annual survey words Lisa Salinas

23 Mom Approved / Moms & Babies

12 5 Things... / Lookbook

Our Mom Next Door’s fashionable faves for going out and staying in 14

Routines / Kelly Decker This mom of three and Fort Worth attorney is always running (figuratively and literally)

KID CULTURE 35 Seeing Past Differences

How to talk to your child about kids with disabilities and foster inclusivity

20 Best: Moms & Babies

9 Mom Next Door / Sheridan French

On raising four kids, life as an entrepreneur and picking herself back up after divorce

Readers share their favorite midwives and OB/GYNs

38 Travel / Explore Iceland

Put a stamp in your passport with a visit to this small island nation

41 Calendar / The Agenda

From tea parties to bull riding, enjoy these family events this month

ON THE COVER Cover Kid: Roman, 2, Fort Worth Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair & Makeup: Michael Thomas / Seaminx Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; ©ISTOCK; PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY JAMES

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers EDITORIAL Executive Editor Carrie Steingruber Managing Editor Alexis Patterson

Freelance Assistant Editor Maya Butler Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith Digital Editor Sydney Blalock Ritchie Editorial Intern Emily Yearwood ART Contributing Editorial Designer Lesley Busby

COLUMNS

46 Confessions / Mom Truths

Vaseline makeovers and more reader stories that made us LOL

Graphic Designers Susan Horn, Ariana Leyva

Advertising Coordinator Alli Renner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT LARGE Lauren Niebes

PR/MARKETING Audience Development Director Candace Emerson Marketing and Advertising Strategist Tram-Anh Le

ADVERTISING Account Executives Alison Davis, Becca Hobby, Nancy McDaniel, Diana Whitworth Nelson, Sandi Tijerina

ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Leah Wagner Accounting Jeanie Vance

FortWorthChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. FortWorthChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only FortWorthChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of FortWorthChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. FortWorthChild is ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

fortworthchild / february 2020

3

ZOOM THROUGH THE ZOO

APRIL Join us for the 23rd annual Zoo Run, a race where you can run wild

4 5K 1K FUN RUN

in support of the wild! The family friendly route winds through the Fort Worth Zoo, past your favorite animals. All proceeds support our education and conservation efforts locally and around the world.

REGISTER TO RUN 4

february 2020 / fortworthchild

AT

FWZOORUN.COM

©ISTOCK; NOUN PROJECT

noted.

LOOSEN THEIR TONGUES taking tongue-tie seriously

WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

K

AILAS WAS A TEETH-GRINDER for as long as his parents could remember. He also wet the bed more nights than not. “Last year … he was already 7 years old and we had to have him on Pull-Ups,” says his mom, Angela Brennan.

He had attention issues. Breathing issues. Growth issues—doctors said at age 8 he had the bones of a 5-year-old.

Thanks to his tongue, of all things.

“From the tip of the tongue to the tip of the toe is one fascial tissue,” explains Dr. Dunia Korous, Kailas’ dentist, who practices at Millennium Smiles in Frisco. “When the tongue is restricted, it pulls everything together. When the lower jaw gets narrow, the upper jaw follows, and when the upper jaw follows … the airway also gets a little narrower.”

In Kailas’ case, the restriction is ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie—meaning a pesky strip of tissue anchors the tip of his tongue to the floor of his mouth, limiting the tongue’s movement and kicking off a conga line of other symptoms. → fortworthchild / february 2020

5

noted / L O O S E N

THEIR TONGUES

Harwood

12 SH

G ACCEPTIN NTS NEW PATIE

1N

You might associate tongue-tie with latching problems and nipple pain during breastfeeding. As more mamas get their infants’ troublesome tissue cut or lasered, some doctors have labeled the treatment a fad—at best, uninformed scaremongering, and at worst, a scheme by practitioners to profit from unnecessary procedures.

Then there are kids like Kailas and adults like our 36-year-old creative and content director whose tongue-ties have contributed to problems with sleep, breathing, posture and focus, among other woes.

Tongue-tie appears to have compounding effects over time—literally from head to toe—yet dentists and pediatricians may not look for it.

“I didn’t even know that it was an issue as you got older,” says Brennan. “I thought the only time kids had issues with tongue-ties was with breastfeeding.”

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“Taking Care of Ears Throughout the Years”

6

february 2020 / fortworthchild

Patients are prescribed tongue exercises in order to learn to swallow correctly, increase their range of motion and prevent the clipped tissue from regrowing. These glossal workouts might include touching the upper lip and licking a Popsicle.

Korous believes in starting therapy before the tongue-tie release so that the tongue knows what to do once it’s free to move about the mouth.

Though Kailas hasn’t had his release procedure yet, for months he stood in front of the bathroom mirror alone, three times a day, to move his tongue.

“He gets a little embarrassed doing the facial exercises with people watching him,” Brennan reveals, adding that toys and other rewards motivated her son to keep it up.

Cole recommends facial exercises too but says the release is most important—even without therapy, kids can ALL TIED UP adapt. “It’s better to do it Symptoms to watch for—or THE MORE YOU KNOW poorly than to not do it,” How is it that many parents ask your child about—that he says. might indicate a tongue-tie: and professionals are in the Here’s the thing about dark about the effects of tongue-tie: Even dentists • Trouble latching or pain who agree on its significance untreated tongue-tie? Dr. during breastfeeding Stacy Cole of Clear Fork don’t agree on exactly how • Picky eating Healthy Dental Care in Fort it ought to be fixed or the • Speech delays or articulation Worth says dental programs extent of its impact. For problems have a lot to cover in order example, Korous believes that • Snoring to satisfy certification tongue-tie can lead to sleep • Mouth breathing requirements, and there’s breathing disorders like sleep • Attention and behavior simply no more room in apnea; Cole says that tongueproblems the syllabus. tie may exacerbate airway • Teeth grinding “A lot of our education issues but isn’t the cause.

• Bedwetting is after school—it just kind Both absolutely agree • Headaches of gets us to where we don’t • Poor dental health that correcting tongue-tie kill people,” he jokes. “And can change people’s quality • Forward head posture then we get out and start of life, even in small ways. realizing more and more After doing thousands what we don’t know.” of tongue releases, Cole went under the laser Korous says the symptoms also evade himself. “I thought, You know, when I get detection because parents don’t know to ask, that released, I’ll be leaping tall buildings,” and kids don’t think to tell. “They don’t he remembers. “Nothing. I could not tell even talk about it because it’s the norm—it’s a thing, except it was sore for a few days. what they’ve been dealing with all their life,” About three weeks later, I thought, You she explains. know, I can turn [my neck] to my left and my Ideally, tongue-tie is caught on day one; right and it doesn’t catch anymore.” in fact, Brazil requires every infant to be For more than a year, Kailas has been examined for tongue-tie before leaving the doing facial exercises and wearing mouth maternity ward. When it’s not caught, kids appliances to expand his jaw. Though and adults may show a range of symptoms, his tongue is still tied, he’s already out of like Kailas, or just one or two. Thankfully, Pull-Ups. more professionals are beginning to recog“I think he’s more confident,” Brennan nize the signs and recommend treatment. says. “He would have a lot more temper tantrums; now it’s very minimal. His teeth look SNIP IT IN THE BUD significantly better.”

The fix for tongue-tie sounds simple (snip, She’s helping spread the word about snip!) but experts say the brief procedure is tongue-tie to friends and neighbors. “If you best with a side of myofunctional therapy— don’t start it and correct it early,” she says, “then that is, a retraining of the mouth muscles. it’s gonna get even worse as they get older.”

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Spring Break Wonders at the Modern

March 9–12

Two sessions each day; 11–11:45 am & 2–2:45 pm Take advantage of family programming at the Modern over the course of the week while your school-aged children are on Spring Break. Each unique session includes a tour and gallery project focusing on selected works in the special exhibition, Mark Bradford: End Papers. Arrive early, this program fills quickly. Attendance is limited to 45 children per session; admission is free.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.738.9215

Free Spring Break Monday The Museum will be FREE and open to the public on March 9 from 10 am–5 pm.

GET CREATIVE THIS SUMMER

WITH TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS

SUMMER CAMPS!

• TCAA camps offer training in visual art, dance, theatre, and music.

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• All camps are FULL DAY. • Affordable before and after care available.

• Each week ends with a showcase for parents to attend.

• Multiple week discount available!

More information at ArtsAcademics.org/Summer fortworthchild / february 2020

7

SAFETY TIP

TRAINS CAN BE VERY QUIET

Just because you don’t hear a horn, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a train coming.

When you see tracks, think train and always exercise caution.

real moms.

FRENCH STUDIES AGE 35 HAILS FROM & LIVES IN

Fort Worth OFFSPRING Two boys and two girls ALMA MATER University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in management and business DREAM JOB AS A KID Being a mom WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER sheridanfrench.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF NOUN PROJECT

Sheridan French is conscious of the example she is setting for her four children.

mom next door /

SHERIDAN FRENCH family, faith, fashion & finding her path

INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

N

EARLY 10 YEARS AGO, Sheridan French started production on her first clothing line.

The same day, she found out she was pregnant with her second child. It was a memorable start to her career as a fashion designer. But a few years later, French walked away from her successful business to focus on her marriage and family.

“I was struggling,” she admits. “It was a really dark time. I was at the point with the business where it was kind of ‘go big or go home.’ I was not ready to be away from [my] little babies.

I wanted to work on my marriage … and know that I did everything I possibly could.”

Today French is a thriving single mom, re-launching her brand and expanding to home textiles this summer. “My family is incredible, my friends are incredible, I’m so excited about the business, and my kids are doing amazing,” she smiles. “It’s been awesome. It’s really been an incredible journey. I’m so thankful. I feel like I’ve lived a lot in 35 years, and I love it.” → fortworthchild / february 2020

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real moms / M O M

NEXT DOOR

Did you always want to be a designer?

All the women in my family are creative.

My grandmother is an artist, and my greatgrandmother is a seamstress. I made my first dress with her and my mom. I knew I’d do something in the creative space jobwise, but I wasn’t certain [what] at first.

How did you get started? I had samples in hand four months [after launching production through a contact from the University of St. Andrews]. I did not know what I was doing.

All I knew is that I loved clothing, loved design and felt like I had a good eye. I was cold calling boutiques. … I broke even that first year with a teeny, minimal investment, but it was enough to get me to the second year.

What a leap of faith. I think many moms are afraid to take that first step because they are concerned about the impact of change on their family. That

was really hard for me. I was running everything from my house all by myself.

My kids were 3, 2 and 1, and I was pregnant. And my marriage was falling apart. I was losing my mind. I was kicking and screaming, making the decision of “hitting pause” [professionally]. I didn’t know when I would start again, but I knew it was “pause,” not “stop.”

You no doubt felt overwhelmed.

Staying home or returning to work is a hard decision for a lot of women, but it’s important to remember you can change your mind. It’s

hard for me when I see someone that’s paralyzed in that position. I just want to be like, “You can do it! I will be your cheerleader.

Just do it, just try. If you try and it’s a bust, at least you won’t wonder.” Too many people are afraid of failure, so they never have that chance for success. february 2020 / fortworthchild

the example I want to set for them. That’s one thing I thought of, especially with my daughters. How do I want them to see me navigate this part of my life, not only with career but with marriage ending and picking myself back up on my own two feet? It’s a huge responsibility but also such a privilege.

Tell us about re-launching your clothing line. I’ll do about 15 or 20 boutiques for this

year, but then I will go to markets, Atlanta and Dallas, for the 2021 season. Then also by summer I’ll be doing wallpaper and fabric by the yard, which I’m so excited about.

That’s always been like my underlying goal, to do more than fashion.

What inspires your collections? I’ll take a picture of a sunset, and [think,] That’s a good color palette, right there. Or when my daughters are painting, they put things together that I love. Looking at old patterns, from the ’50s and ’60s, or the embellishments that used to be on clothes. Those are just beautiful. A lot of it comes from interior design.

I want women to feel so confident when they put on a piece of my clothing, like they can take on the world.

So anything that gives me that feeling internally, that kind of lights that fire, I’ll make a note, I’ll take a picture.

“BALANCE IS A FOURLETTER WORD, AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD JUST PUT IT IN THE TRASH CAN AND STOP STRIVING FOR IT.”

Like I was about to jump out of a plane without a parachute.

I also had a fear of, Everything I worked so hard to build—would I be able to get it back? [But] as soon as I made the decision, it was a weight lifted. I stopped for five years.

I never really expected to come back this soon—but as the marriage continued to deteriorate, I needed to start having that foundation for financial reasons to support four babies. And I’m so thankful. It’s been amazing. God has been so present through all of it.

10

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves who we want to be when our kids grow up. Yes, and

Your Instagram is a mix of parenting and fashion. Was that a conscious choice? Well, yes,

actually it was. I want people to see into my life. I have dinners to make and carpools to be done. I really do try to let people into the struggles, because we’re all there. I’ll get these amazing, sweet messages, like “I’ve been following you for 11 years, and I just want you to know that this helped me so much.” That’s so validating to me.

You’re a single mom of four and an entrepreneur. How do you find balance? Balance is

a four-letter word, and I wish people would just put it in the trash can and stop striving for it. No one’s balanced—just forget about that. It helps that all of my kids are in school. I don’t think I would have been able to start back yet, at least not at the level I wanted to be, if I had any kids still at home.

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ABOVE // Inspired by creative relatives, Sheridan French has been making stunning dresses (like this one) since age 12.

5TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE February 3 at 12:15 p.m.

One of the best things my kids’ dad ever told me was “Adjust as necessary.” I take that through pretty much every day. There’s always a curveball. You just do what needs to be done, keep pushing. And you learn a lot of lessons and come out stronger and better.

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rock bottom, 2014, when I was pregnant with my fourth, stopped the business and went to this amazing marriage ministry called Re-engage. I really heard the gospel … and felt so much love, so much peace. … I really just let go.

How has life changed since the divorce? It’s still pretty fresh. I feel like I’m walking through that now. There are a lot of people, especially being such a strong Christian, that divorce is like a four-letter word, and that was very, very hard. I hold no ill will toward anyone because I know everything that has been said to me has been said with a heart of love. That doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but it gives me understanding, and it’s helped me grow tremendously in compassion.

Logistically things were difficult, like moving out of our house. I was in the middle of redoing our 10,000-square-foot dream home in a beautiful neighborhood. You’re faced with a lot of questions, like Why am I valuing this home over my sanity? People call [divorce] the living death, [but] I think that we walked through it as well as we could have. It was very short, and the kids were our priority, and they always will be. There’s the co-parenting challenge, which we’re learning still. I mean, it’s all a process, but I’m encouraged every day, and I know we’re headed in the right direction.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would really love to be a fully developed lifestyle brand. I want to continue running my online business. I’d love to be in several hundred stores. I’d like to be working with some majors like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.

I don’t know as far as personally. I was with one of my mentors yesterday, and she said something; it brought tears to my eyes instantly. She said, “Sheridan, at the end of this decade your children are going to be 16, 17, 19 and 20. … This is when you pour into them. You will have taught them everything they need to know, the basics, within these next 10 years.” That floored me. I was like, “Oh my gosh. What a wakeup call.” So, that would be my hope, that in the next 10 years I have really instilled so much wisdom and so much love and understanding in each of my children, and could really give them a rock solid foundation in the Lord, in their academics, in their emotions, to be able to go on into the world and be a blessing to others and then do whatever they want to do.

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real moms / 5 INTERVIEW

THINGS …

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

LOOKBOOK from luxe favorites to oh-so-relatable treats, here are sheridan french’s chic recommendations

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FO R R ECH A RG I N G

2

3

FO R FA M I LY TIM E g Jumby Bay, off the coast of Antigua “It’s like a dream. I met Penelope Cruz there.

She was amazing. Her two beauti-

FO R S E LF- C A R E

ful children were there, and we all got

to play together. Oh my gosh, she was so beautiful. I just wanted to, like, touch her face and her lips.”

g Theme parks (including Disney World and Six Flags) “I could theme park all day long, like theme park hard. Take me on all the roller coasters.” SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS // 2201 Road to Six Flags St., Arlington; sixflags.com/overtexas

4

“There’s a lot. Hale House is great and has really good prices. Esther Penn and You are Here are awesome too.” HALE HOUSE // 4900 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; shophalehouse.com ESTHER PENN // 3328 W. Seventh St., Fort Worth; estherpenn.

5

com YOU ARE HERE // 5109 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth; youareherefw.com

REBEL ICE CREAM // rebelcreamery.com

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

FO R E ATI N G O UT “For dinner, I love Ellerbe. And you can’t beat a lunch at Neiman’s with strawberry butter.” NM CAFE // Inside Neiman Marcus, 5200 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth; neimanmarcus.com/restaurants ELLERBE FINE FOODS // 1501 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth; ellerbefinefoods.com

‘‘

IF I’M TRYING TO CARE FOR MYSELF AS FAR AS PHYSICAL HEALTH, I REALLY ENJOY BARRE CLASS. I GO TO SMART BARRE HERE IN FORT WORTH.

SMART BARRE // 3911 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; 6080 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth; smartbarrebody.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; PHOTO COURTESY OF REBEL ICE CREAM; OETKER COLLECTION’S JUMBY BAY ISLAND; ©ISTOCK: HALE HOUSE; NEIMAN MARCUS

FO R FA S H I O N FI N DS

‘‘

REBEL ICE CREAM IS KETO ICE CREAM. I’LL SIT AND EAT A PINT OF THAT AND WATCH SOME CHICKFLICK WITH JENNIFER LOPEZ. I EAT THE WHOLE PINT OF ICE CREAM, AND I JUST ADORE IT. I AM SO RECHARGED FROM THAT.

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fortworthchild / february 2020

13

a wednesday in the life of

KELLY DECKER

Kelly Decker walked away from one of Fort Worth’s most prominent law firms a couple of years ago to start her own practice with husband Olyn Poole.

Today their home, office and kids’ school are all within a mile of each other, making it easier to have it all—or, at least, as close to “all” as a busy mom of three can get.

2

AM My body decides I have had enough sleep, and I am wide awake. I did go to bed at 8:30pm last night, so maybe my body is right.

3:10AM Our 4-year-old, Quinn, crawls into our bed. She is sleep talking and cuddling with her daddy. I fall back asleep.

6:45AM Our middle child, 6-year-old Thomas, is yelling something about Quinn.

Truly yelling. Quinn screams relentlessly (the ultimate communication red button), which lands her in timeout and throws our morning routine into a scramble. I think to myself, I just had to go for the girl, didn’t I? Olyn and I had three kids in four years. My body is a wasteland.

7:25AM The house is calm. The kids are finishing cereal, and no one is crying or yelling. (It feels like the way birds are quiet right before an earthquake … ) 7:30AM We are on time for school. I walk the kids inside and search for my 7-year-old son Will’s second-grade teachers. It’s a “closed campus” day and parents aren’t supposed to be in the building, but I have questions about his reading report. (He is dyslexic.) As parents, we are doing what we need to do. The teachers are doing their part. Now we wait.

8:15AM Makeupless, I start my day at work.

(I can also sport mom clothes at the office because I am Boss Lady.) I skim emails and determine what’s on fire the most. Our practice, Decker Poole, is a child-friendly space.

I’m board-certified in family law, and I designated an area for my kids and clients’ kids to play. Then they took over the entire office.

There is one area my daughter calls her “office,” with a toy kitchen, Legos and books.

There’s also a couch for their sick days and a TV with cartoons. Our office is also a parentfriendly space. We appreciate that they got themselves here and will need help with the very next step. It starts with coffee but also involves a lot of handholding and support.

(And we have Champagne and whiskey ready when needed!)

9AM I am meeting with an old client who has a new issue. Her preteen child is experimenting with vaping and marijuana, getting in real trouble at school, and the father has gone dark. I wrestle with the right motion to file, when to file it and whether or not there is anything I can do that will help this kid. I’m also sad, because this can happen to anyone, and it takes only one moment to see myself in this mother’s position.

11:30AM Marketing lunch with a wealth management company. We share anecdotes about our children and lack of sleep. I order chicken fajitas, but chicken enchiladas come instead. My trainer will love this excuse.

2PM I get a text message that Thomas’ class is getting their Fitbit watches taken up. I attribute the group’s loss to Thomas alone, given that his most recent obsession is getting in 10,000 steps per day. I text the babysitter to take up his watch and restrict him from playing with the towheaded girl next door after school as his punishment.

3:30PM Today I was supposed to give reviews to the staff and make long-term plans for the firm. Seventeen interruptions later, I have not given reviews yet. I have also not figured out how to motivate some personalities. Money works for some, but what about the person that wants money and work-life balance? Ha! If that job exists, let me know! It is nice working with my husband.

We can solve last-minute family logistics problems without pulling our hair out. And because we truly respect the way we each practice law, our disagreements are not offensive but rather enlightening. We ask for input only if we truly want to hear it.

5:10PM I’m on my way home, which means I have about seven minutes to make any phone calls. I make one work call and wrap it up as I am walking in the back door. My daughter is thrilled to see me, while my boys are slumped

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the Fort Worth area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by FortWorthChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space.

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER SCHUMAKE

real moms / R O U T I N E S

the fine

print SHE’S READING No Mercy, No Justice by Brooks Harrington YEARLY DESTINATION New Mexico RESTAURANT SHE FREQUENTS WITH THE FAMILY Mi Cocula GUARANTEED TO MAKE HER CRY Other people’s pain BEST PURCHASE EVER My Suburban NO. 1 ITEM ON HER BUCKET LIST Marathon on my 40th birthday WORDS SHE LIVES BY Too inappropriate to write!

TOP PLAYLIST Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, Miranda Lambert FAVORITE PODCAST The Mysterious Mr. Epstein BLOG OR INSTAGRAM SHE FOLLOWS Anything

about running; Sheridan French (Editor’s note: Check out our interview with Sheridan on page 9.) ON GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT, WE’LL FIND HER Demanding all the attention and probably offending someone WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Plow through MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS I need six: selflessness, love,

unconditional, muscle, sleep deprivation.

HOBBY Camping SHE WISHES SHE HAD MORE TIME TO DO Nothing A MOM SHE ADMIRES Refugees IF SHE HAD TO CHANGE CAREERS, SHE’D BE An ice cream scooper HABIT SHE CAN’T QUIT Enchiladas HOSTESS TIP Don’t clean

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASCADE BOOKS; ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANA LEYVA

your house before.

on the couch. A quick change into sweats, and I throw together spaghetti and broccoli. We all eat peanut butter toast after. Then begins the readinghomework-bathing routine.

7:45PM All kids are in their beds. I lie down for a minute, and my inner voice reminds me that I still have 6 miles to run. I’m training for a marathon (my first since becoming a mother), and my trainer wants the miles to become increasingly faster. I slowly put on my reflective gear and respond to my husband’s “people who run in the dark are strange” look with a look that says, “This bod comes with a price.”

(More like the enchiladas came with a price.) I’m out the door. Unfortunately, I don’t have any new podcasts to distract me from the soul crush of running in the dark. I may learn after all this that my body may be older, but it’s also tougher.

9:30PM I’m back home. I text my trainer my time, sure that I am waking her up but not really caring—because someone else has to join me in the self-inflicted pain club. After this, off to bed.

FORTWORTH

T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N TA R R A N T C O U N T Y

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T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N TA R R A N T C O U N T Y

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

Connect

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nurturing your post-kids romantic relationship WORDS SUNDEY MCCLENDON

“I DON’T THINK WE ARE SUPPOSED to talk about this,”

©ISTOCK

©ISTOCK

I said nervously to my husband from across a delicious spread of carefully selected oysters. The waiter filling our wine glasses raised an eyebrow and then silently vanished.

“We aren’t supposed to talk about our kids?” my husband said incredulously.

fortworthchild / february 2020

17

“Well, the experts say on a date night, we should set aside talking about our kids and focus on each other.”

“Well, if the experts say it,” he joked, gulping down an oyster. Then we sat in silence as I wondered, What else would two people in the trenches talk about besides the overwhelming and exhausting work unfolding around them?

Later that night, we sat on a blanket at a Jack Johnson concert. It was one of those perfect Texas nights in May, on the precipice of summer but without the mosquitos. Jack was in top form and I swayed along with the crowd, finally soaking in the elusive date experience that we were supposed to have, according to every magazine and news story about a post-kids marriage. I looked down, thinking I would put the meaningful cherry on top of our evening with some prolonged eye contact, only to find my hardworking, dad-at-the-top-of-his-game husband laid out and snoring lightly. Sigh.

Another imperfect date night, I thought as I calculated whether it would be better to leave and save money on the sitter.

Prior to having kids, falling asleep at a concert would have been something to laugh about—but since going on a date when you have children requires a level of planning on par with launching a rocket, I was disappointed.

It was important to us both to make time for each other, but with three active tweens, we are as energy-poor as we are time-short. What is a couple to do if they hope to emerge from the 20-plus-year stretch of parenting as a unified, loving couple who enjoy each other’s company?

We’ve all heard marriage advice about the importance of maintaining a connection with your spouse. But that advice seldom comes with a free babysitter, some extra cash and a shot of espresso. How do real parents find balance and connection amidst diapers and Legos and lost socks and soccer practices and homework help?

her to adjust a little—during a time when most women feel particularly vulnerable. Though it was difficult, Xochilt made the conscious choice to focus on admiring Mike’s devotion to their daughter and adjust her expectations to fit their family.

But this was just the first hurdle. As Presley grew, the couple had to learn to understand and respect each other’s cultures.

“Presley is the first grandbaby on either side of our family,” Xochilt explains, “and for my family, in our culture we have a lot of traditional Mexican remedies that would make Mike, and sometimes me, weary.”

For example, when Presley came down with the sniffles, Xochilt’s mom had some outdated ideas for treatment. Balancing the delicate relationship with Xochilt’s mom, who felt strongly that their family remedies and traditions should be passed down, with modern parenting was hard on Mike and Xochilt—who were already fatigued and feeling the strain of shifting relationship dynamics that come with a new baby.

With patience and open communication, the couple powered through to find solutions.

Xochilt says staying mindful that they were both tired and trying their best helped her to focus on the end goal (a strong marriage) as they adjusted.

Fort Worth counselor Janice Moran says it is not uncommon for new parents to have these hurdles, and that issues can be compounded by sleep deprivation and a change in routine.

“One very common issue [new] parents encounter is experiencing changes in both emotional and energy levels,” she says. “Sleep deprivation affects all our systems, and it contributes to highly charged, tense emotional situations.”

Pastor Curt Krohn of Faith Bible Church in DeSoto has counseled engaged couples for 30 years. He says often they don’t grasp—and aren’t prepared for—how much a child can

NURTURING IS KEY

Arlington mom Marie Reddick and her husband Nathan say that saving space for each other has seen them through more than a decade of marriage and four children ranging in age from 11 years to 4 months.

As we talk, the baby coos and cries, and Marie and Nathan seem to have a shorthand for handling it. They laugh, looking back at the early days of being married and having young children.

“When we were dating, we didn’t fight at all,” Marie recollects. “I always joke that he saved it all up for when we were married.”

Nathan laughs in agreement, and points out that a follow-up visit to their premarital counselor helped them to develop healthy patterns that have been helpful throughout marriage.

“When we showed up, the counselor was kind of stunned,” Nathan explains. “He said no one had ever taken him up on the followup visit before.” During that visit, the couple discussed open communication and empathy, helping them better frame how to work (and fight) together.

“We had to learn how to understand each other,” Nathan explains, and Marie adds that understanding that men are wired differently and think differently than women was a crucial point for her.

“It was a Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus moment,” she says.

“We are both type A people, and we can bicker sometimes about the little things,” she continues, pointing out that counseling helped establish how they can disagree productively and how to make time for their marriage in such a busy season of their lives.

“We talk constantly,” Marie explains. “We call and check in with each other several times throughout the day, and we are very honest with each other and very open in communica-

A ROUGH START

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

“Checking into one another’s inner world is vital for growing and changing together.” impact their relationship.

“Certainly, children and the changes they will bring are discussed in pre-marriage counseling,” Krohn says, “but, in reality, my experience is that it is difficult to have an engaged couple fully understand what children will mean to their relationship. It is often evident that the reality did not successfully sink in!”

tion, which I think is really helpful and keeps us connected even when life gets crazy.”

Moran says this is at the heart of all marriage advice: Date nights are great (provided your partner can stay awake)—but when you distill the principles behind the date night, it’s about nurturing the relationship. The goal behind time spent together—fancy restaurant or otherwise—

©ISTOCK

Dallas mom Xochilt Madden and her husband Mike had their daughter, Presley, six months ago. After meeting in 2014 in a chemistry lab at Eastfield College, Mike and Xochilt (pronounced SO-chee) were inseparable.

“We’ve always been best friends,” Xochilt confides. “We were spontaneous and loved spending time together, doing things we both enjoyed.”

She says Mike was a wonderful and supportive spouse who doted on her through her pregnancy, and when their baby was born, he bonded with Presley right away.

“And that was so great,” Xochilt says. “It was sweet and beautiful and what I wanted, but I got pushed to the side a little bit.”

She says sharing Mike’s attention required

is the connection. “Checking into one another’s inner world is vital for growing and changing together,” Moran emphasizes.

Marie Reddick adds that dating does not just entail physically spending time together, but also continuing to grow and develop as a person, to put your best foot forward for your spouse. “For me, ‘never stop dating your spouse’ means that I never stop trying to be the best version of myself for my spouse,” she explains.

Besides, you and your spouse are not the only ones who benefit from a healthy connection. “Every day, you are modeling for your children how you treat people and how you want to be treated and your standards for relationships,” Moran says.

Tending to a relationship is a form of selfcare that we model for our children, which not only helps us care for our children better, but teaches them how to operate in a relationship as well.

“By implementing self-care for both you and your relationship as a couple, you are vicariously teaching your children the importance of these skills,” Moran says.

FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

When our kids asked how our disastrous date went, we were honest and laughed about my husband falling asleep.

“Smooth, Dad!” my daughter teased, and then added, “Maybe next time you could have a lunch date!”

In the weeks after, my husband and I tried various ways to make time for connection. We made a point of having breakfast or coffee together in the morning—another washout, as we sat in stony silence trying to will ourselves into action and not feeling much like talking. But we did keep trying, powering through other failed attempts and finally moving our dates to when we were most alert—midday. Our sage little daughter was right: Lunch dates were best for her two exhausted parents. We took longer lunches and saw movies together, which gave us something other than our kids to discuss.

As Xochilt and Mike began to date postbaby, they also had to find their sweet spot— and stop trying to expect the things to work the same way they did before Presley was born.

“We decided to go out for our first date night on a Friday night,” Xochilt explains, “but when we got to the restaurant, we were exhausted and had a hard time.” Another night they sent Presley to stay overnight with a grandparent while they went to a friend’s annual Halloween party, an event they enjoyed a lot before they were parents.

“Mike was so excited to go, and so was I, but I had a hard time letting loose in the same

way I could before I had Presley,” she explained.

“Mike didn’t say anything, but I could tell he was wishing that I could relax more. But it was my first night away from her and it was hard.”

She says that eventually, they had to find a “new normal” and new ways to connect. Step one: setting up a sleep routine for Presley that allowed them to make time for each other.

“We put Presley to bed around 6:30–7pm so that we can eat dinner together and watch Netflix or play a game,” Xochilt says. “And that works great for us. It helps us keep the love and friendship alive while being parents.”

THE LONG RUN

For parents of older kids, the issue is often less about finding the energy—or a sitter—and more about finding the time amidst busy schedules.

When their kids were younger, Carol and Kevin Smith’s dating life dwindled. It was actu-

we could leave them alone,” Carol says, “so that helped a lot.”

Occasionally their “dates” weren’t much fun—an evening at the laundromat when their washing machine broke, a meal in a hospital cafeteria after their daughter had surgery—but creating a habit of dating proved hugely helpful to their marriage.

“It definitely made us closer,” Carol says, “and I think we are more intentional with each other now because of it.” And yes, they won the cruise; Carol urges other couples to set up a rewards-based system if they find it hard to make dating a priority.

Their experience underscores that dates don’t have to be a big production.

According to Pastor Krohn, the value of a date—whatever form it takes—is in the shared experience and the development of the relationship. “Doing this does not require just the two of them, alone, focused on the other,” he clarifies, “but it can be with a group of friends or staying at home with their children, reading a book together or participating in a common task.”

“The goal is to make time for your relation-

3-Step Process Janice Moran, a Fort Worth counselor, says many couples do not seek counseling until there is a problem, but counseling can be a wonderful preventive measure. To take the first baby step, try a page out of Moran’s playbook by practicing Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) method.

“In a nutshell, it’s a form of communication that meets another with empathy, and promotes compassion and connection,” Moran explains. She says the first part of the process is communicating an emotion through an “I feel” statement, then stating an underlying need. Finally, make a request, “not a demand,” she points out.

So, instead of “I feel like I need to get the housework done! Help me!” according to Moran, a more effective NVC way of communicating would be: 1. “I feel frazzled because company is coming over in an hour.”

2. “I need support.”

3. “Would you be willing to do the dishes?”

Moran says that effectively communicating feelings and needs while requesting help in a way that gives choice and leaves room for discussion is a healthy jumping-off point for communication.

ally a contest at their church that prompted the Garland parents of three to get back in the habit of making time for each other. “Our church wanted to do something to strengthen marriages within the church, so they offered a contest where we went on three dates a month for a year,” Carol explains. “The prize was a cruise, and I am very motivated to win things.”

Carol says the potential reward gave them the fuel they needed to make a change. She admits that prior to the contest, she and Kevin did not do the greatest job making time to connect, but they were entering a new season of their lives and felt it was a good time to try something new. “Our kids had just gotten to the ages where

ship by taking advantage of organic opportunities,” Moran agrees.

She says that laying a foundation of friendship and building on it with open communication helps build a strong shelter for when times get tough.

“When I work with couples, we talk a lot about friendship being the foundation of the relationship,” she explains. “If the foundation is not solid, then the chances increase for the relationship to fall apart, especially in times of strife.”

For my husband and me, working on our friendship meant pivoting on when and how we date—as well as some light teasing whenever Jack Johnson comes on the radio. fortworthchild / february 2020

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BEST: MOMS & BABIES 2020 WINNERS WORDS LISA SALINAS

Best: Moms & Babies Winners

Your baby is precious.

So is sleep. Keep your family well rested with Live Love Sleep, our readers' favorite sleep consultant.

cowtown’s top resources for all things childbirth

BEST CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR Barbara Davis, CD Labor, CBE, PES – birth | Fort Worth Our readers love doula Barbara Davis’ instruction, particularly the Your Best Birth Class. This is a one-day course on all things childbirth offered through birth | Fort Worth.

Besides the in-person lessons, every new mom leaves with a free one-year membership to an online portal where you can access tips and video resources. Plus, you also receive Davis’ personal cell number, so you can stay in contact throughout your pregnancy.

This year, Davis is debuting the Your Best Birth Class Academy, which will consist of online childbirth class supplements and customized classes.

4255 Bryant Irving Road, Fort Worth; birthfortworth.com RUNNER-UP: Jillian Blakeman – Birth Boot Camp 20

february 2020 / fortworthchild

BEST HOSPITAL TO HAVE A BABY Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth When it’s time for baby’s arrival, Fort Worth moms trust Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth for its experienced and attentive delivery team (nurses check on moms about every hour during their stay, or more often when necessary) and desire to help moms give birth the way they want to—for example, the hospital offers tub births and gentle C-sections, which allow families to watch their little ones emerge from the womb.

Seventeen maternity suites boast amenities such as a private bathroom, free internet access and a flat-screen TV. Plus, Mom and her support person receive a complimentary meal to celebrate. And if little ones need extra care, the hospital has a level III NICU on-site.

1301 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth; texashealth.org

RUNNER-UP: Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center

BEST BIRTHING CENTER Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center

Located only two blocks from Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center has plenty of Cowtown flair mixed with modern style and amenities. Founded seven years ago, the center offers services from family planning to prenatal, birth and postpartum care, which includes two- and six-week postpartum visits. The center currently has six certified nurse-midwives with expertise in gynecology, fertility and more who collaborate in order to support clients.

622 Hemphill St., Fort Worth; fwbirthcenter.com RUNNER-UP: Origins Birth Services

BEST DOULA Tonya Buffington, CD – Right Hand Doula Inspired by her own experience with professional birthing support, Tonya Buffington decided to pursue a doula certification. Now with 12 years of doula experience, Buffington

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHOTOBABE; FORT WORTH BIRTHING & WELLNESS CENTER; BETH HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

W

e know it takes a village to prepare for and welcome your new baby.

Of course, finding that village, from childbirth instructors to doulas to the best babysitting service, can seem overwhelming—there is so much information out there these days. But don’t worry! Your fellow readers have stepped up to help. Our annual Best: Moms & Babies survey features the best of the best in all these topics (and more), chosen by local moms. Consider this our baby gift to you.

BEST CHILD CARE CENTER Primrose Schools

Our readers trust Primrose Schools, which was founded over 30 years ago, for their babies’ educational growth. The private preschools provide care and classes for littles as young as 6 weeks old, nurturing infants’ development through movement, music, sign language and more. Titled Balanced Learning, the curriculum places equal value on a variety of learning areas so kids leave fully equipped to enter preschool or big-kid school. All teachers have experience in child development and are first aid- and CPR-trained.

Multiple locations; primroseschools.com RUNNER-UP: Bright Horizons

(who has assisted at over 400 births) is a placenta encapsulation specialist and postbirth belly binder too. Our readers call on Buffington for her passion for assisting new moms and families; through Right Hand Doula, she provides birth plan assistance, labor support and breastfeeding support. righthanddoula.com RUNNER-UP: Barbara Davis CD Labor, CBE, PES – birth | Fort Worth

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARLA MORROW; EMLER SWIM SCHOOL; BETH HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST MIDWIFE Carla Morrow, DNP, CNM – Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center With two decades of midwifery experience, Carla Morrow (who also holds a doctorate of nursing practice) was chosen by readers for her dedication to supporting new moms and their families. In 2013 she founded the Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center, and she just opened a new practice in Arlington that offers in-hospital midwifery care. Her services range from routine prenatal visits and postpartum care to childbirth classes and lactation consulting. Morrow also provides well-woman exams and screening for anxiety and depression.

622 Hemphill St., Fort Worth; fwbirthcenter.com RUNNER-UP: Gina Thomson, LM, CPM – Origins Birth Services

BEST BABYSITTING SERVICE Mom’s Best Friend When our readers and their partners need to take the night off, they call Mom’s Best Friend, a household staffing agency (with decades of experience serving families) that is quite literally a mom’s best friend. Much more than a babysitting service, MBF matches families throughout Dallas-Fort Worth with full- and part-time nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants—even chefs. Their sitters are all certified in CPR and first aid, in addition to completing a 10-step screening process. They can care for littles as young as newborns. Find your next babysitter (or chef) by calling or searching online. mbfagency.com RUNNER-UP: Fort Worth Sitters

BEST PARENT & BABY CLASSES The Little Gym For fun time with a side of educational play, The Little Gym’s parent and child classes are a favorite among our readers. The 45minute classes (for babies as young as 4 months) involve age-appropriate activities and exercises; the theme, music and gym setup change each week. As young children are exploring and learning about the big world around them, classes focus on developing strength, balance and spatial awareness, plus social skills.

Multiple locations; thelittlegym.com RUNNER-UP: Gymboree Play & Music

BEST INFANT SWIM CLASSES Emler Swim School With heated, saltwater pools (with a max depth of 4 feet), it’s no wonder families flock to

Emler Swim School for kiddos to earn their fins.

As an added bonus, pools have ultraviolet water purification systems; some locations offer dehumidifiers. This veteran Best: Moms & Babies winner offers year-round swim lessons for children as young as 2 months. Swimmers move up levels as they get older and master breath control and independent movement; until then, as your little one splashes away, you are right there in the water with them.

6250 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth 280 Commerce St., Suite 180, Southlake; emlerswimschool.com RUNNER-UP: Aqua-Tots Swim Schools

BEST SLEEP CONSULTANT Live Love Sleep Families in North Texas turn to Live Love Sleep to help their littles start catching their ZZZs. Founder Kaley Medina starts working with families as soon as baby comes home to set them up for success before sleep training can begin (around 3 months). LLS creates a customized sleep plan based on your family’s needs, taking into account your parenting style and your child’s personality. Local parents typically select the in-home consultation, during which LLS experts pay a visit to review the new sleep plan and help you implement techniques to get your baby to sleep.

Recently, LLS also began offering services for adults—because we’re all at our best when we’re rested. livelovesleep.com RUNNER-UP: Newborn Nightingales

BEST SLEEP DISORDER EXPERTS Sleep Center at Cook Children’s When their littles are tossing and turning at night, our readers trust Cook Children’s Sleep Center to diagnose their troubles and help them get some much-needed rest. The center has pediatric sleep medicine physicians and a sleep psychologist on-site and boasts kid-friendly rooms so your child feels right at home during overnight testing. This year, the center is welcoming a new nurse practitioner who specializes in sleep disorders. Though the Fort Worth center has the overnight sleep lab, sleep specialists also see patients at Denton, Southlake, Alliance and Mansfield locations.

1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth; cookchildrens.org RUNNER-UP: Pediatric Sleep Institute fortworthchild / february 2020

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EMPOWERING

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN TO MOVE MOUNTAINS We serve children whose diagnoses may include Autism, ADHD, ADD, OCD and ODD • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) • Play Therapy • Social Skills Training and Problem Solving • Therapeutic Games and Books Early Intervention Program

• Parenting/behavior solutions— parent training and coaching

2–5 yrs old

Bridge Program 4–6 yrs old

Transition Program 7–10 yrs old

Maintenance Program 8–13 yrs old

LOCATIONS IN FLOWER MOUND, GRAPEVINE & TROPHY CLUB Office: (972) 410-5297 | Fax: (972) 410-5270 | abc-pediatrics.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved 2020

MOMS & BABIES WORDS DFWCHILD EDITORS

WHOA, MAMA! EATING FOR TWO? CHECK OUT THESE FACTS ABOUT WOMEN AND BABIES IN TEXAS.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES?

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

MALE CHILDREN BORN IN 2019 ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO THE YEAR

BEST FOODS TO EAT WHILE BREASTFEEDING

2095 WHILE

MEAT

EGGS

FEMALE CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

2099

TWIN BIRTHS ACCOUNTED FOR 3% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS IN 2015, WHILE OTHER MULTIPLES OCCURRED IN 0.1% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS

NOUN PROJECT

DURING PREGNANCY REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS IN A WOMAN’S BODY ARE

20–30 TIMES HIGHER THAN USUAL

Dallas has the

12TH HIGHEST

POTATOES

DARK CHOCOLATE

SOURCES: HEALTHLINE; TEXAS CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS; STATISTA; PYSCHOTHERAPY.COM; AMERICAN PREGNANCY ASSOCIATION; CASTLIGHT HEALTH; TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES

HIGH BIRTH WEIGHT

PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD LIMIT THEIR CAFFEINE INTAKE TO LESS THAN

200 MG PER DAY

average cost for routine vaginal deliveries in the United States

fortworthchild / february 2020

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mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

B

ringing a new life into the world is nothing short of miraculous. And you want the best for your little miracle. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to many excellent OB/GYNs and midwives, so how do you begin the search for the provider who will care for you and baby through pregnancy and birth? Your fellow DFWChild readers have made the process easier by sharing their recommendations for our annual Mom Approved guide—a list we compile to help you find the perfect midwife or OB/GYN for your growing family.

how we do it

WHAT IS A MOM APPROVED DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE?

Mom Approved Doctors and Midwives are women’s health care professionals who have earned the trust, admiration and respect of our readers. Local moms reached out to our magazine, recommended these providers and told us why. Whether it’s for their empathy and kindness or their professional acumen, these doctors and midwives have impressed parents like you. All of these providers were in good professional standing at press time.

WHAT MAKES MOM APPROVED DOCTORS DIFFERENT?

Each year various publications come out with lists ranking area health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients but by other providers.

We think Mom Approved Doctors are special because they’ve been nominated by the consumers: local parents. These providers didn’t make it on our list by purchasing space in the magazine, and their inclusion doesn’t imply an endorsement by DFWChild. This is truly a momto-mom referral list.

IS THE LIST EXHAUSTIVE?

The list is by no means exhaustive—there are likely many outstanding professionals 24

who aren’t on the list because our readers didn’t pass on a recommendation. If you have a local OB/GYN or midwife you love, tell us.

HOW DO I RECOMMEND A PROVIDER?

DFWChild holds four surveys a year for readers to nominate their favorite health care providers (along with OB/GYNs and midwives, surveys include pediatricians, dentists and wellness professionals such as counselors). We post surveys at different points during the year on our website; visit dfwchild. com/directory and look for Mom Approved Docs to find active surveys. We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love a particular provider. Is it her friendly demeanor? His listening and communication skills? Other parents want to know why you think this health care professional is special. (Comments we publish may be edited for length, grammar and clarity.)

WHERE CAN I VIEW COMMENTS ABOUT THESE MOM APPROVED DOCTORS AND MIDWIVES?

The full list of Mom Approved providers, with comments from the mothers who recommended them, can be viewed in the Mom Approved Docs section at dfwchild.com/directory.

HOW DO I FIND MORE READER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOMS AND BABIES?

Glad you asked! Each year, DFWChild holds our Best: Moms & Babies survey. Readers share favorites in a variety of areas— childbirth education, doulas, sleep consultants, child care, mom-andme classes and more. Check out our winners on page 20!

february 2020 / fortworthchild

mom approved midwives & ob/gyns

Puffer, Sheri MD, FACOG Women’s Health Services BEDFORD Parikh, Manisha MD USMD Mid-Cities OB/GYN Clinic Safely, Charles MD Charles Safely OBGYN Taylor, Stephanie MD The Woman’s Group

MIDWIVES

FORT WORTH Hopkins, Katie DNP, RN, CNM Acclaim Nurse-Midwives See ad on page 27

Wood, Beverly MD Generations OB/GYN Group, P.A. See ad on page 29

Taylor, Susan J. LM, CPM Taylor Made Midwifery

BURLESON Bowyer, Darrell MD Dr. Darrell Bowyer, MD

GRAPEVINE Daly, Kim CPM, LM Grapevine Birthing Center

Chellappan, Chandra MD, FACOG Huguley Medical Associates See ad on page 29

HURST Davis, Hannah LM Gentle Beginnings

Duran, Donna MD Donna M. Duran M.D.

Fruga, Tereé LM My Sister’s Keeper Birth & Midwifery Services Jones, Kennasha LM My Sister’s Keeper Birth & Midwifery Services

FORT WORTH Alexis, Althea MD Fort Worth Women’s Clinic Arditti, Lauren MD Acclaim Physicians Group See ad on page 27 Arnold, Laura DO Her OB/GYN

OB/GYNS

ARLINGTON Atkins, Baron MD USMD Arlington North OB/ GYN Clinic Cornwell, Janis MD Matlock OBGYN Gorski, Timothy MD, FACOG Timothy N. Gorski MD FACOG Greve, Robert MD Matlock OBGYN Luck, Mindy MD, FACOG Omega Ob-Gyn Associates See ad on page 29

Atkins, Lori MD, FACOG Fenom Women’s Care See ad on page 26 Bernstein, Linda MD Her Complete Healthcare Bevan, Catherine MD, FACOG Fenom Women’s Care See ad on page 26 Bleich, April MD Obstetrix Medical Group of Texas Bradford, Laura MD, PA Eighth Avenue Obstetrics & Gynecology

Patel, Meera DO USMD Arlington South OB/ Gyn Clinic

Bradley, Taylor DO, MS Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 27

Peppler, Dawnette MD, FACOG Women’s Health Services

Breedlove, Lindsay MD Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Lusby, Rachel MD, FACOG Fenom Women’s Care

Webster, Barbara DO Her OB/GYN

Kollar, Carolyn DO Premier Women’s Health

Butler, Stacy MD Women’s Health Medical Group

Maas, Emily MD Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

Wiley, Ruth DO, PA Eighth Avenue Obstetrics & Gynecology

Krombach, Robert Stephen MD USMD Mansfield Clinic

Cammack, Kathleen MD Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

Manning, Madeline DO Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology

Zwernemann, Robert MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology

Chu, Khoi MD Acclaim Physicians Group See ad on page 27

McLeland, Jennifer MD Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

GRAPEVINE Allen, Katrina MD Women’s Integrated Healthcare

Elliott, Peter MD Acclaim Physicians Group See ad on page 27

Merritt, Laura MD Women’s Health Medical Group

Chen, Barbara Kuo-Yu MD Heritage Women’s Health

O’Toole, Patricia DO USMD Alliance Fort Worth Clinic

Cope, Angela MD Women’s Integrated Healthcare

Phillips, Leslie MD Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology

Cowen, Alan MD Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare

Burkett, Danielle DO Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

English, Cynthia DO Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 27 Garda, Jacqueline DO Acclaim Physicians Group See ad on page 27 Glenn, Sunny MD, FACOG Fenom Women’s Care See ad on page 26 Guerra, Martha MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 28 Herd, James MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology Hoffman, Gerry MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology Hooper, Mickey DO Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 28 Howell, Robert Michael MD Women’s Health Medical Group

Pico, Alyson DO Grace Obstetrics & Gynecology Rainer, Drew MD Women’s Health Medical Group Read, Martin MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology

Lieser, Sofia MD Obstetrics & Gynecology of North Texas Lopez, Monica MD Women’s Integrated Healthcare Marshall, Kimberly MD Grapevine OBGYN

Robbins, Cynthia MD, PA Eighth Avenue Obstetrics & Gynecology

Morris, Carrie MD Obstetrics & Gynecology of North Texas

Ryan, Langston Ray MD Women’s Health Medical Group

Moser, Doreen DO, FACOG Doreen A. Moser, D.O., FACOG

Snead, Jonathan MD, FACOG Alliance Women’s Healthcare See ad on page 28 Snell-Hargrove, Dana DO My Ob/Gyn Tabbs, Carla MD Woman 2 Woman Healthcare

Irwin, Peter James MD Peter James Irwin, MD

Tate, Darren MD Fort Worth Female Health Associates

Jones, Timothy DO Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 27

Tse, Gladys MD USMD Alliance Fort Worth Clinic

Kutzler, Beatrice MD Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology

Wagner, Elisabeth DO Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 28

Larsen, Alicia MD, FACOG Fenom Women’s Care See ad on page 26

Walker Erwin, Jamie MD Vivi Women’s Health See ad on page 13

Moore, Natalie MD USMD Mansfield Clinic Northrop, Sara DO Women’s Care Associates Westerholm, Erin DO Women’s Health of Mansfield

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

FORT WORTH Burnett, Katie PA-C Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology See ad on page 27

FERTILITY SPECIALISTS ARLINGTON Raj, Renju MD IVFMD

BEDFORD Doody, Kevin MD The Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARE Fertility) FORT WORTH Thomas, Robin MD The Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARE Fertility)

Neal, Kerry MD Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare

SOUTHLAKE Gada, Ravi MD Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates

New, Troy MD Grapevine OBGYN Wai, Robert MD Obstetrics & Gynecology of North Texas Walters, Courtney MD Women’s Integrated Healthcare KELLER White, Michael MD North Texas Women’s Healthcare Associates MANSFIELD Daum, Paul MD Mansfield Miracles

Check out our Mom Approved lists at dfwchild.com/ directory. You’ll find a variety of reader-recommended providers and the reasons local moms love them.

Havener, Heather MD USMD Mansfield Clinic fortworthchild / february 2020

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Lori Atkins, MD, FACOG Catherine Bevan, MD, FACOG Sunny Glenn, MD, FACOG Alicia Larsen, MD, FACOG Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved FENOM Women’s Care is not just a practice in medicine, it is a practice in female humanity. We combine the finest general obstetrics and gynecology with care that extends beyond check-ups and physical wellness. Our all-female physician team offers real woman-to-woman insight in order to create a true continuum of health throughout the lives of our patients.

The OBGYN’s of FENOM are so proud to have been recognized as “Mom-Approved.” You Moms, you FENOMenal females—YOU are the reason why we do what we do. Our mission at FENOM is to take care of women throughout their lifespan, meeting them where they are every step of the way. We are committed to empowering women to take charge of their health through personalized care, insightful education and expert service.

We are passionate about our patients and strive as a team to be there for you in every capacity. From the nervous time of preconception, to possible struggles with infertility, the uncertainty of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and tumultuous postpartum period—we are here for you through each step.

As a physician team, our commitment to the women we serve allows for the added benefit of consistency of care between physicians.

Whenever a health need arises, we will be here for you. This includes our amazing clinic staff, a vital part of FENOM, and we thank them for taking such great care of our patients (and of us!). Together, we form a community of women who are empowered by a deeper understanding of their bodies and womanhood, and that is FENOMenal.

Recognition from our patients means the world to us, it lets us know you see us like we see you. Thank you for being part of our FENOMenal family. #weareFENOM

Fenom Women’s Care 1250 8th Ave. Ste. 320, 322, Fort Worth, TX 76104 817-924-2111

Willow Park 134 El Chico Trail, Ste. 103, Willow Park, Tx 76087 817-441-1644

Girls To Women 4200 S. Hulen St., Ste. 450, Fort Worth, Tx 76109 817-524-1811 fenomhealth.com

26

february 2020 / fortworthchild

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Taylor Bradley, DO; Cynthia English, DO; Timothy Jones, DO & Katie Burnett, PA-C Obstetrics & Gynecology 5x Mom-Approved Drs. Taylor Bradley, Cynthia English and Timothy Jones and Katie Burnett, PA-C are so thankful for their patients nominating them for the “Mom Approved” Award by FortWorthChild for a 5th year in a row.

Thank you to all who voted! We are truly honored to care for you and your family’s needs and humbled by your continued confidence in us. Providing care that is empathetic, individualized and directed by you, our patients, is a key component of our philosophy. We strive to create relationships that will span decades.

We are also very excited to welcome our new partner Dr. Ashita Gehlot, MD, FACOG! All of us at Fort Worth Obsterics and Gynecology look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time.

Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology

Call today to schedule your appointment with our team!

6317 Harris Pkwy., Ste. 400 Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-423-2002 • fortworthobgyn.com

Khoi Chu, MD; Jacqueline Garda, DO; Lauren Arditti, MD; Peter Elliott, MD & Katie Hopkins, CNM Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery 5x Mom Approved

Acclaim Klabzuba OB-GYN Clinic 1300 W. Terrell Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104 Physicians (Suite 340) 817-702-9000 Midwives (Suite 360) 817-702-9001

Acclaim Women’s Health Physicians and Certified Nurse Midwives are dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare, in quality settings that support patients’ needs and preferences.

We support wide-ranging care options that foster the dignity of our patients, by balancing the very latest in technology and practice with their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.

We encourage our patients to fully participate in the decisionmaking and planning of their care. We provide a wide range of care options ranging from preconception counseling; inhospital vaginal birth after cesarean to providing care for the mature woman approaching and after menopause.

For those who choose the natural birthing process, our Certified Nurse Midwives offer the following services: intermittent fetal monitoring, freedom of movement during labor, birthing balls, breathing techniques, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy and water birth, music, postpartum herbal bath and doulas are welcome.

At our offices, we also offer the services of a ABOG Board Certified Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery physician (Urogynecologist) as well as an ABOG Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist.

Acclaim Women’s Health would like to partner with you to create a personalized health plan that’s just right for your life.

fortworthchild / february 2020

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Martha Guerra, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Martha Guerra is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. She brings significant experience and an excellent bedside manner to serve the unique needs of her patients.

Since 1998, Dr. Guerra has practiced in Fort Worth providing patient care for women of all ages and specializes in up-to-date treatments for all aspects of a woman’s reproductive and physical health. She was one of the original doctors who was instrumental in the development and affiliation with the state-of-the-art Andrews Women’s Hospital located at Baylor All Saints Scott and White Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

My Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology 1250 8th Ave., Ste. 435, Fort Worth, TX 76104 817-923-0088 6200 N. Beach St., Ste. 101, Fort Worth, TX 76137 817-847-4600

Mickey Hooper, DO Obstetrics & Gynecology 5x Mom Approved Welcome new patients! Fort Worth is my home and dear to my heart. I grew up in Fort Worth and attended Western Hill HS, TVCC, TCC and Texas Wesleyan University. I completed medical school at TCOM/UNTHSC. My passion is caring for Women and unborn babies. I joined our group as a partner in 2001. I love lake activities, fishing, paddleboarding and all things western. My family has been here for many generations and we love Fort Worth! My office is conveniently located next to Baylor All Saints and I also have satellite on North Beach Street and Western Center Blvd. Call for an appointment. I would be happy to visit with about all your Women’s Health Care needs.

MY Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology 1250 8th Ave., Ste. 435, Fort Worth, TX 76104 • 817-923-0088 6200 N. Beach St., Ste. 101, Haltom City, TX 76137 • 817-847-4600 MYTexasHealthCareobgyn.com

Jonathan Snead, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved Jonathan Snead, MD, and Angela George, WHNP-BC, of Alliance Women’s Healthcare are accepting new patients. Alliance Women’s Healthcare has been serving the north Fort Worth area for over fifteen years. Dr. Snead won Physician of the Year for Texas Health Resources Hospital at Alliance (2015), Keller Best of the Best OBGYN (2012–19), Living Magazine Best of the Best OBGYN (2014–19) and a FortWorthChild magazine Mom Approved Doctor (2015–2020). Come see why so many patients and physicians alike trust us and recommend our practice! Dr. Snead has hospital privileges at Texas Health Resources Hospital at Alliance.

Alliance Women’s Healthcare 10600 N. Riverside Dr., Ste. 100 Fort Worth, TX 76244 817-741-9663 • alliancewomenshealthcare.com

Elisabeth Wagner, DO, FACOG Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved Pregnancy begins a journey of excitement, sometimes anxiety, and JOY. Every mother’s journey is unique. I have created a network of support to guide you through Your Experience. I provide care that is evidence based, up-to-date and I personalize to optimize your birth experience. I care for low-risk and high-risk mothers from the first signs of pregnancy and continue this careful support through the postpartum period. My office team is experienced and kind. You can learn more about me by following this link: MYTexasHealthCareobgyn.com.

MY Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology 1250 8th Ave., Ste. 435, Fort Worth, TX 76104 • 817-923-0088 6200 N. Beach St., Ste. 101, Haltom City, TX 76137 • 817-847-4600 MYTexasHealthCareobgyn.com

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Beverly G. Wood, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved Dr. Wood is an obstetrician and gynecologist and she wants to be your doctor for generations to come. The name of her practice says it all. Generations OB/GYN. She has built her practice on a smaller scale, so she is able to spend ample time with each patient to build trust and create a lifelong relationship. She is board certified and has a particular interest in gynecological surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries and hysteroscopic therapies for heavy menses. Dr. Wood takes care of women of all aspects of pregnancy and has gained expertise in high-risk pregnancies. She enjoys caring for her patients in every stage of their lives. She has seen many of them starting in their teen years, cared for them during their pregnancies and then helped them transition into menopause.

Generations OB/GYN Group, P.A. 1615 Hospital Parkway, Suite 310 Bedford, TX 76022 817-684-5200 • gen-obgyn.com

Chandra Chellappan, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

6x Mom Approved Board certified, she is an award-winning obstetrician/gynecologist beloved by her patients for her easy and warm conversations. After earning her medical degree at Texas A&M, Dr. Chellappan completed her OB/GYN residency at John Peter Smith Hospital with special training in minimally invasive surgery. As a physician, she offers the full spectrum of women’s care, including in-office procedures for birth control and gynecologic problems. As a woman, wife, and mother, she is generous and compassionate with the care of each woman she encounters.

Huguley Medical Associates

11803 S. Fwy., Ste. 206, Burleson, TX 76028 817-551-9339 • miracleogbyn.com

Mindy B. Luck, MD, FACOG Obstetrics & Gynecology 3x Mom Approved Thank you, readers, for making me Mom Approved again this year! It’s a true joy to care for you. In the 14 years I’ve practiced with Omega Ob-Gyn, I feel so lucky to see your grandmothers, moms, daughters, friends. One of the best compliments you can give is referring your loved ones. We enjoy caring for women in all stages from adolescence to menopause. Thank you for blessing me all these years. God bless you all.

Omega Ob-Gyn Associates

Locations in Grand Prairie, Arlington and Mansfield 817-472-2365 • omegaobgyn.com

Mom Approved 2020

When your child is sick or hurt, little else matters.

Check out our Mom Approved directory at dfwchild.com/directory (and select Mom Approved Docs) to find dentists and health care professionals to fit your family’s needs. Each Mom Approved professional is nominated by local moms, just like you.

fortworthchild / february 2020

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL G U I D E Want more information?

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

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Our preschool features a family atmosphere with experienced teachers that ignite children’s love of learning.

Preschool: 2-4 years old Grammar School: K–8th grade

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy 1308 Whitley Rd. Keller, TX 76248 817-431-5486 mlcatexas.org ©

DFWChild.com Directory

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Helping parents successfully navigate the school years is kind of our thing.

Explore our not-so-secret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com.

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©ISTOCK; NOUN PROJECT

kid culture.

SEEING PAST DIFFERENCES how to talk to your child about kids with special needs WORDS LISA SALINAS

A

S PARENTS, WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL THAT CHILDREN HAVE A

million questions. They are instinctively curious and ask things sans filter.

But what happens when those questions are about—and perhaps voiced in front of—someone who has special needs?

“Why do his eyes look like that?”

“Why does his voice sound funny?”

(Cue the cringing.)

Local mom Brittany Lopez is very familiar with the looks and remarks that come from inquisitive kiddos.

“My son—he just turned 4—has autism and is about a year behind,” Lopez says. “My fortworthchild / february 2020

35

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february 2020 / fortworthchild

kid culture / S E E I N G

PAST DIFFERENCES

sister has intellectual disabilities. She’s 30, 31 “I don’t mind if a child comes up to me now and functions around a 5-year-old level. and asks me why Zach’s eyes are different,” Growing up with her, you definitely dealt says Bryan. “I would probably take offense if with stares.” they said that he looked ugly.”

As a special education teacher for 10 years, When your child does notice differences, Lopez worked with children who had mental your tone is important. “If you yell at [your health and emotional child]—because I’ve also issues, learning disabilities, seen that; ‘I told you not autism spectrum disorders IN THE MOMENT to be staring at them!’— and intellectual disabilities. If your kiddo does something that’s not going to help,” Putting neurotypical children uncomfortable when interactexplains Hernandez. at ease around those If your child asks ing with someone who has a diskids starts with your own questions about a peer ability, here’s how to respond: actions, according to Lopez. with special needs, give “It has to do with you straightforward, age• Be kind and calm. Stay away as the adult building an appropriate answers. from hastily reacting to your environment of inclusivity,” “I think we sometimes child’s actions, and instead kindly she says. “You have to as adults forget that kids redirect their attention. “Not model it.” can still understand in any abrupt way, or yelling at That might look like certain things,” says them, but just gently tell them, inviting a kiddo who has Bryan. If answering a ‘It’s not polite to point, it’s not special needs over to play question about a child with OK to stare, so let’s just sit down with your child. But first, Down syndrome, “you for a minute and talk,’” advises it’s emphasizing to your don’t have to go into the Cook Children’s family therapist child that we’re actually whole triplication of the Janette Hernandez. all different­—and that we chromosomes,” she says.

• Talk it out. Once you have connect with each other “You can just say, ‘He has your little’s attention, give them not by pointing out those Down syndrome. It’s a some information. differences, but by finding medical condition that makes “Explain to them, in a nice commonalities. his eyes shaped different.’” tone, in a whisper tone, what “We all have the ability the child might be up against,” to love,” notes Janette OPEN DOORS Hernandez says. “This happened Hernandez, family therapist Special needs don’t have to just here the other day in the at Cook Children’s McCart be a barrier to meaningful clinic with a little boy [whose] Neighborhood Clinic in interactions. Lopez helps legs were truncated. A little boy Fort Worth. “We all have her son’s peers understand was staring at him, and his mama the ability to be kind.” how they can play together. was like, ‘OK, I don’t want you to “Other kids say, ‘Why stare, but let’s talk about how the DIFFERENT, BUT isn’t he talking to me?’” body is formed inside.’ She [did] a THE SAME Lopez notes. “I say, ‘Well, wonderful job of explaining you Alice Bryan is a Farmers it’s hard for him to talk, don’t know exactly what’s going Branch mother of five, talking is hard—but, you to happen when the baby is born, including 5-year-old twins know, he’s really good at but that the baby is just as special Luke and Zach. Luke is these puzzles right here.’” as the other children.” neurotypical, and Zach has Hernandez agrees Make a connection. If you have Down syndrome. Although • that kids connect when the time and opportunity, connect they are physically different you create opportunities. with the parent and child.

(Zach comes up to Luke’s “We see it out here in “Apologize and have a shoulders), Bryan reiterates the waiting room a conversation with your child and to her sons that there is lot—disabled children the disabled child,” Hernandez nothing wrong with that. with other children that says. “If you can open doors for “We come in all shapes, sit down and color. … communication, then kids will sizes and colors,” she says.

They forget that they’re so see that [the differences are] not Even though we explain different.” such a big thing. .... [They realize] to our children that being You can also redirect that, ‘Hey, we both can sit down different is OK, they might your child’s language and and color.’” still have questions and thought processes to look slip-ups. Bryan recalls an at others’ differences as instance when Luke was staring at a child in evidence of their strength. a wheelchair.

“Luke sometimes will point out “I’ll just say, ‘They need a little extra help differences,” Bryan says of her twins. “I sometimes,’” she says. “I teach them it’s OK to started to explain that you don’t point out ask questions, but it’s not OK to make fun.” what [Zach] can’t do. I said, ‘What you don’t Bryan welcomes questions about Zach as understand is that Zach works twice as hard long as they are offered respectfully. to do what you do.’”

At the end of the day, remind your littles that they’re looking at another kid just like them.

“You look at the person; you acknowledge the person, not the medical device, right?” Bryan says. “And say hi. Then … you can kind of judge the scenario or have the [other] parent help judge the scenario—see if it’s appropriate to ask questions.”

It all comes down to the golden rule.

“Treat others as you want to be treated,” Hernandez says. “Everyone is gifted, everyone is creative in our own way, and [we should] teach that to our children more and more.”

EDUCATION IS KEY

Here are some resources to help your child better understand and interact with kids who have special needs: BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA Kelly and the Great Pinewood Derby

Dallasite Jordan Burk—a caregiver to his uncle Kelly, who had Down syndrome— authored this book that touches on our differences and similarities. The story stars a character named Kelly (who has Down syndrome) and his trusty koala friend. kellyandkelso.com

Sesame Street

The beloved children’s TV show debuted Julia, a muppet who has autism, in 2017.

Go to Sesame Street’s website to find interactive games, videos and stories that enable discussions about what it means to be on the autism spectrum and how we can celebrate those with differences. autism.sesamestreet.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TO BE LIKE ME; PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; SESAME STREET; KELLY AND KELSO

Just Ask

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this picture book introduces characters with an array of differences, such as dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and autism.

The book uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that we’re all different—and special too. Available in Spanish and English. penguinrandomhouse.com

COMMUNITY PROGRAM To Be Like Me

This two-hour program, created by local professionals-slashmoms, focuses on awareness of different abilities. Participants go through simulated situations (a classroom, a flight, a restaurant) to learn how to better interact with people who have disabilities and learning differences. The program is offered at Tolleson Family Activity Center in Dallas. tobelikeme.org

fortworthchild / february 2020

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kid culture / T R A V E L

2

pack your bags for the land of fire and ice WORDS LAUREN BRYAN KNIGHT

T

he bulk of people who come to me for European travel consults are interested in vacations in France or the UK. Iceland, though, is becoming a contender for the most popular destination. While DFW International Airport does not currently have direct flights to Reykjavik, Iceland is worth extra effort. With vast landscapes and stunning scenery, this small place has big impact.

MINI REYKJAVIK

While some European cities can

4

38

leave parents flustered, the cozy capital of Iceland takes younger visitors in stride. With wide sidewalks, unfussy restaurants, an abundance of English speakers and a generous supply of apartments to affordably rent, you’ll be able to easily navigate the best of the city. The great part for parents is that you don’t have to visit Reykjavik’s historical sites and quiet museums to experience the culture—it’s also found walking the streets, visiting cafes or chatting with a shop owner.

Still, no trip to Reykjavik is complete without a visit to HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, the country’s largest church and one of its most famous landmarks. Then wander down the street for coffee from Reykjavik Roaster and warm cinnamon rolls from BRAUD & CO. (Don’t walk too fast, though; they come out of the oven after 11am.) You can also fill the day with shopping on the boutiqueheavy Laugavegur street, or putzing around down by the wharf—just make sure that at some point you’ve stood in line for one of the famous hot dogs at BÆJARIN’S BEZTU PYLSUR (in English: “the best hot dog in town”). The classic one will be served with raw white

february 2020 / fortworthchild

1 3

onion, fried crispy onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and a remoulade sauce.

GET OUT OF TOWN

On Iceland’s Southern Coast, you’ll find unbelievable views— white waves pounding the black sand beaches in Vík, a walk around the Dyrholaey Peninsula and rainbows floating above the waterfall at Skogafoss. Spend the night at HESTHEIMAR, a horse farm where you can have homecooked meals and a private riding session. Alternatively, make your way around the Golden Circle. This loop includes three stops: THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK (where the European and North American tectonic plates meet), Geysir (to watch hot water shoot out of the ground every 10 minutes) and the massive waterfall Gulfoss.

SOAK IT UP

One of the most “local” experiences you can have in Iceland is soaking in a pool of some sort. Most people default to a dip in the Blue Lagoon, geothermal waters named as one of National Geographic’s Wonders of the World. But the real treat is to grab your swimsuit and go to the local pool. The largest and most popular is LAUGARDALSLAUG. This is one of the cheapest ways to spend the day in Reykjavik; it’s only around $1.50 per child, and children under 5 swim free. Traveler beware: Access to

1 / Quaint Iceland streets are perfect for a family stroll. 2 & 3 / Majestic landscapes are Iceland’s hallmark­­—and sure to delight even the tiniest of visitors.

4 / The decor gives shops and restaurants a cozy feel.

Icelandic pools is granted only after you take a rather exposed shower in the locker room. While locker rooms are not mixed gender, little kids can go in with either parent. Some pools have private cubicles, but not all.

(No need to be shy though. The Icelanders won’t pay you any attention­­—unless, that is, you try to skip this step. They see it as necessary for proper hygiene.)

Lauren Bryan Knight is a Dallas native who is now loving life in London. Knight is a mother and the author-owner of Aspiring Kennedy (aspiringkennedy.com), a travel guide website that found its name after she jokingly referred to herself in an email as an “aspirational Kennedy.”

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA

hallgrimskirkja.is BRAUD & CO.

braudogco.is/en BÆJARIN’S BEZTU PYLSUR

bbp.is/information-in-english HESTHEIMAR

hestheimar.is

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

thingvellir.is/en

LAUGARDALSLAUG

reykjavik.is/stadir/laugardalslaug

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN BRYAN KNIGHT AND ASHEL PARSONS

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MAD HATTER TEA PARTIES

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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

W ILL RO G E RS M EMORIAL C E N T E R Through February 8 The annual festival continues with livestock shows, petting zoos, carnival rides and—for the first time inside the new Dickies Arena—rodeo competitions by daredevil, bull-riding cowboys. Rodeo tickets sold separately.

General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–16 and free for age 5 and younger. On Feb. 3, rodeo tickets and grounds admission are free for active and retired service members and their families.

3400 Burnett Tandy Drive, Fort Worth fwssr.com

FRANK-N-FRIEND

C AS A M AÑANA Through February 16 New in school and needing a special friend to help protect him from a bully named Butch, super smart Oliver uses a top-secret computer to build Frank-N-Friend: the

fastest, strongest and coolest protector. Treat your littles to this children’s musical that teaches what it means to be a real friend. Tickets from $15.

3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth casamanana.org

STELLA: THE TIME MACHINE JOURNEY

PY1 PYR AMID AT GLOBE LIFE PAR K Through March 1 This high-tech, participatory show for ages 3–12 encourages families to get up and dance together in “the biggest time machine ever built”—that time machine being the special pyramidshaped venue that made its U.S. debut in Arlington this winter. Tickets for Stella from $23.50. PY1 offers another show, Through the Echoes, with laser lights and 360-degree projections, that we think is best suited for adult audiences. Echoes tickets from $40.50.

1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington py1.com/en

TROLLS LIVE!

THE T HE AT RE AT GR A ND PR A IRIE February 7–9 Poppy, Branch and more curiously coiffed characters from the 2016 animated movie come to Dallas-Fort Worth on the first-ever Trolls Live! musical tour. Bring your little fans along to experience the new storyline: The Trolls’ Hug Time is at risk and the only way to save it is by—what else?—throwing a glitter dance party. Tickets from $19. VIP tickets include a character meet and greet.

1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie trollslive.com

A RT ISA N CHILDRE N’ S T HE AT E R February 14– March 6 After the Artisan opens Alice in Wonderland, Jr., travel even deeper down the rabbit hole by dressing up for a tea party immediately following select Friday performances (Feb. 14, 21 and 28 and Mar. 6).

In addition to tea, the parties include un-birthday treats, take-home crafts and meet and greets with Alice, the Mad Hatter and the whole crew.

Tea Party tickets are $10; tickets to the performance are

sold separately and start at $8.

444 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst artisanct.com

CRASH / FIREBIRD

BASS PE RFORM A NC E HA LL February 14–16 Texas Ballet Theater presents two dreamy dances: Crash, an abstract ballet inspired by the challenges of modern life, and the ballet company’s world premiere of Firebird, choreographed to Igor Stravinsky’s famous score and based on the Russian folktale about the mystical bird. Come see the fire-red, feathered dancer rescue a prince and princess from an evil sorcerer. Tickets from $20.

525 Commerce St., Fort Worth texasballettheater.org

THE NATURE OF THINGS

RIVE R LE G AC Y L I VI NG SCIE NCE CENT ER Through February 21 These next weeks are your last chance to experience

LEGO MINI MASTERS COMPETITION

LE G OL A ND DISC OVE RY CE NT E R February 8 Want to score free annual Legoland passes and even more awesome perks?

Enter online to compete in a 30-minute build challenge for a chance to win a spot on Legoland’s 2020 Creative

FEB. 1 // PUT YOUR BUILDING SKILLS TO THE TEST AT THE LEGO MINI MASTERS COMPETITION TO WIN LEGOLAND ANNUAL PASSES.

fortworthchild / february 2020

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HILD.COM R DAILY E

VISIT

FO

DF

WC

V

LEAP YEAR

February’s feeling so extra with high-flying fun—bull riding, monster trucks and basketball with major ups.

EN

TS

PBR GLOBAL CUP USA

AT &T STA DIUM February 15–16 This high-stakes bull riding competition takes it up a notch for the WinStar World Casino and Resort PBR Global Cup USA. Members of Team USA Eagles and Team USA Wolves—many of them world-champion riders now healed from injuries—get back in the saddle for the “Olympics of bull riding.” Tickets start at $20 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. There are additional options for meet and greets, tours and dinner.

1 AT&T Way, Arlington pbr.com/globalcup

this traveling exhibit on view in River Legacy’s Discovery Room. Organized by the Purdue Agriculture Exhibit Design Center, the exhibit teaches kids about the special roles that honeybees and other insects play, how to search for clues to reveal what animals eat and the negative effects of water pollution.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3–12 and free for children 2 and younger.

703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington riverlegacy.org

ENGINEERS WEEK

F ORT WORT H M USE UM OF S CIE NC E & HI STORY February 18–22 Encourage your kids’ growing interest in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering and math—during this annual week of challenging activities throughout the museum and the opportunity to collaborate with engineers who’ve made their mark in the industry.

Saturday is Girls and Engineering Day, with special activities created with girls in mind. No additional cost with regular admission ($16 for adults and $13 for children ages 2–18; free for members).

1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth fwmuseum.org

NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

BAS S PE RF ORM ANC E HA LL February 20–23 Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? You will, for the duration of this live stage show starring the zany sponge and his Bikini Bottom buddies.

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Watch them save their world and share a message of friendship all while singing and dancing to the sounds of Panic! At The Disco, The Flaming Lips, Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper and Lady Antebellum. Tickets from $44.

525 Commerce St., Fort Worth basshall.com

BLACKLIGHT RUN

TEX AS MOTOR SPEEDWAY February 22 After the sun goes down, the blacklights come up at this fun run and post-race DJ dance party, where all participants are splashed with colorful, glowing powders. Wear white clothes for the full effect and download the CoolEvents app for a cool AR view of the finisher medal when you scan it with your phone. The run is noncompetitive, nontimed and open to all ages.

Registration is $40.

Kids 5 and younger are free and do not need to register.

3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth blacklightrun.com/ locations/fortworth-20

DFWCHILD’S BEST SUMMER EVER

ALL SAINT S’ EPISC OPAL SCHO OL February 23 To help you get a head start on making summer plans for your family, we’re bringing back our original camp fair and planning expo. We’ll keep the kids busy throughout the day while parents and caregivers meet with reps from more than 80 local and national camps, day and overnight camps, schools and other education programs. Sign up for extracurriculars and even

february 2020 / fortworthchild

plan your family vacation in one afternoon. FREE 9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth dfwchild.com

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

U TA MAVE RICK THE AT RE February 27–March 1 This comic operetta for kids is a story meant for telling on a leap year. Young apprentice Frederic turns 21 on Feb. 29, which complicates his plans to woo Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Laugh along with the kindhearted pirates and bumbling policemen in this farce presented by UT Arlington’s MainStage Theatre. $12 for assigned seating.

700 Greek Row Drive, Arlington events.uta.edu

GARDEN BROS. CIRCUS

WILL RO G E RS ME MORIA L CE NT E R February 28–29 Come one, come all!

Motorcyclists in the Sphere of Fear, jugglers who once performed on America’s Got Talent, Chinese acrobats and more artists from all over the world make their stop in Fort Worth for this three-ring circus. Doors open one hour prior to the show for the Kids Fun Zone, featuring fun for the young members of the audience (animal rides, slides, bounce houses and face painting). $14.50 for the first 100 adult tickets sold online.

You will receive one free child’s ticket (for ages 3–13) per paid adult. Children under 3 get into the circus for free unless they require their own seat.

3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth gardenbroscircus.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

DICKIE S A RE NA February 23 Want to make your weekend a slam dunk? Bring your young sports fans to see and play with the basketball wizards of the Harlem Globetrotters, returning to North Texas on the Pushing the Limits World Tour. Stay after the game to meet your favorite player courtside for a photo. Game tickets from $23; the Magic Pass (additional $22) gets you pre-game court access with the stars to snap photos and learn the tricks behind their trick shots.

1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth harlemglobetrotters.com

MONSTER JAM

AT &T STA DIUM February 29 At 10 feet tall and 12,000 pounds, these diesel-burning monster trucks are monstrously large. Don’t miss your chance to see the world-class drivers of Grave Digger, Time Flys and all 14 trucks returning to Arlington to race, flip and fly over a dirt arena à la Evel Knievel. Come before the evening show to meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pit party beginning at 2:30pm. Get your pit party passes from $15 and show tickets from $35. Don’t forget your earplugs!

1 AT&T Way, Arlington monsterjam.com

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN: CELEBRATE THE CHANGE

FORT WORTH B OTA NIC G A RDE N C ONSERVATORY Opens February 29 During this six-week exhibit, the tropical rainforest conservatory becomes home to exotic butterflies.

Come see the much-loved blue morpho, the glasswing butterfly and the starry night butterfly (with wings straight out of a Van Gogh painting).

Timed admission is $12 for adults, $8 for ages 6–15 and free for children age 5 and younger. Garden/exhibit combo tickets available.

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth fwbg.org

UTA POWWOW

MAVE RICK AC T I VI T I ES CE NT E R February 29 Native American dancers, drummers and artists share their traditions with the public at this 25th annual powwow presented by the UTA Native American Student Association. The show features two grand entrance dances at 1pm and 6pm and then continues all day with competitions by age group (including a tiny tots division).

Free admission; proceeds from vendor sales benefit scholarships.

500 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington uta.edu

F O R M O R E F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY F U N T H I S M O N T H , C H E C K O U R O N L I N E C A L E N D A R A T DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR. A N D W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E , S I G N U P F O R O U R W E E K LY E - N E W S L E T T E R : THE WEEKEND GUIDE.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICKELODEON; BLACKLIGHT RUN; HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS; ©ISTOCK

FEB. 20–23 // YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE THE CHARACTERS AND YOU’LL LOVE THE MUSIC IN NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL—WITH TUNES BY PANIC! AT THE DISCO, THE FLAMING LIPS AND MORE.

Year-round weeklong camp sessions for children and adults with disabilities, ages 6-99.

2:1 Ratio On-Site Medical Facilities No Upper Age Limit Financial Aid Available Barrier-Free Campground in Paradise, TX

At Camp Summit we focus on our campers' abilities, not their disabilities.

Every activity is adapted for the needs of each camper, provided in our fully accessible facilities, and implemented by trained, caring staff.

2020 Registration opens January 21st Register for Fall Camp Today!

CampSummitTX.org 972-484-8900

EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE TO PLAY BASEBALL

We provide children and young adults the opportunity to play baseball regardless of their abilities

SPRING SEASON BEGINSÂ LATE MARCH FALL SEASON BEGINS MID SEPTEMBER Games are played at Randol Mill Park in Arlington

miracleleaguedfw.com fortworthchild / february 2020

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEST Summer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/directory

Summer just got more awesome!

3000 Meadowmere Ln. Grapevine, TX 76051 For questions: 817-228-9104

GoGrapevine.com/DoveCreek

1175 Municipal Way Grapevine, TX 76051 For questions: 817-410-3450

GoGrapevine.com/Camps

7710 Fall Creek Highway Granbury, TX 76049 817-831-2111 • CampFireFW.org 44

february 2020 / fortworthchild

The shores of Grapevine Lake can be your child’s next summer adventure—full of archery, fishing, Altitude H2O, wilderness skills and so much more! Dove Creek Day Camp offers your child the experience of overnight camp without the hassle of packing for a full week. Multi-child and multi-week discounts are available for families. We can’t wait to see you this summer for all the fun we have planned!

Visit GoGrapevine.com/DoveCreek for dates, times and complete details.

Dove Creek—DFW’s all day adventure Day Camp!

The REC of Grapevine offers over 50 Summer Camps and has something for every kid to enjoy! Fast Forward Kids will offer writing camps and STEM activities using Legos. Youth Tech camps will offer a variety of camps for young technology lovers including game design, animation and robotics. There is something for every child’s interest including science camps, technology camps, sports camps, outdoor camps, music camps, dance camps and more!

Spend the summer with us at The REC!

Camp El Tesoro overnight camp inspires boys and girls ages six–16 to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Archery, canoeing, horseback riding, nature studies, dance and more! Kids go to camp because it’s fun, but what they find are new friendships and magic in themselves. El Tesoro creates connections like nowhere else. See for yourself what makes El Tesoro a special place! Come to a FREE Camp Preview. Details online.

BEST Summer EVER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt TX 78024 830-238-4650 RagsdaleFamilyCamps.com

Two- and four-week options for traditional camps (boys and girls separate) on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Ages 6–16. Family style dining, home cooked food, worldwide, limited enrollment, personable staff, role model counselors and fun programs!

Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback riding and swimming.

Also intangibles—self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity and dealing with challenges. Ragsdale family owned and operated.

Stewart est. 1924, Heart in 1953.

Camp Clayton 2020 May 26th–August 7th Registration Opens March 2nd

817/923-9888 claytonyouth.org

16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 573-458-2125 • office@bearriverranch.com CubCreekScienceCamp.com

Sibling Discounts & Financial Assistance Available Preparing Children For Great Lives Through Social Emotional Learning Serving Keller, Fort Worth, Crowley ISDs and Surrounding Areas Check out our Specialty Camps!

Camp hours Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm Call us today 817/923-9888 Visit us online: Claytonyouth.org

Imagine a summer camp where campers eat breakfast with a colony of lemurs, zoom down a zip-line and pet a camel before lunch, and play a camp-wide game of Capture the Flag after dinner! Cub Creek is that camp! With 300 incredible animals and over 100+ classes, we are not your average science camp! Welcoming boys and girls ages 7 to 17 for over 25 years.

All Star Day Camp #1: June 9–June 12, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #2: June 15–June 18, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #3: July 6–July 9, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #4: July 13–July 16, Ages 6–14 For more information and to sign up, please visit:

Camps are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender).

collegebaseballcamps.com/tcu We have 12 Sensational Summer Camps sure to please children ages 2 years to 3rd grade!

2701 Riverglen Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-207-0660 kinderplatz.org

• • • • • •

Nature Camp Bug Camp Splash Camp Fitness Camp Space Camp Math Camp

• • • • • •

Texas Critter Camp Superstar Camp Storybook Camp Nursery Rhyme Cooking Camp Color Camp Discovery Camp

For full details visit our website.

Ballet Basics introduces boys and girls, ages 3 to 6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp experience also includes crafts, story time and choreography correlating with the theme of the week.

1540 Mall Circle Fort Worth, TX 76116 texasballettheater.org/summer-program

The Junior Intensive Program broadens the perspective of 7–14 year old students with a variety of classes including ballet, modern, jazz and musical theater. fortworthchild / february 2020

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confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WE TOOK

MY DAUGHTER TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE AT AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, SO NOW SHE THINKS THAT DALLAS IS WHERE ALL THE PRINCESSES LIVE. I DON’T HAVE THE HEART TO CORRECT HER.”

My aging parents moved in with us recently. One day, my son was yelling, ‘Mommy, Mommy, I have a new toy!’ He was using his grandmother’s bedpan and basin for her bedside commode as a shield and hat! Fortunately, they were clean.”

—NICOLE, LITTLE ELM

—HEATHER, FRISCO

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CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

february 2020 / fortworthchild

“My 3-year-old daughter recently heard me tell someone that I thought her 5-month-old sister was a boy during my pregnancy because of the way I felt. A week later, I’m sorting boy clothes for my cousins and my daughter asks, ‘Mommy, is this from when the baby was a boy?’”

—ESTELA, IRVING

“My daughter got ahold of my Vaseline right before we were about to leave for preschool. I walked into her room and she just turned to me with the biggest smile. I asked her, ‘Uh, baby, what did you do?’ She replied, ‘I’m getting pretty!’”

—TASHAE, ARLINGTON

I MISSED MY CHILD’S PARENTTEACHER CONFERENCE. THE TEACHER SENT ME A SWEET EMAIL THAT SAID, ‘I HOPE I DIDN’T KEEP YOU WAITING TOO LONG THAT YOU HAD TO HEAD OUT!’ IT COMPLETELY SLIPPED MY MIND!” —CHRISTIN, FORT WORTH

Got a funny parenting moment you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.

I took the kids to a ballet. My 5-year-old son said, ‘When are they going to stop dancing and hopping around and tell us what’s going on?’ I explained that they dance the entire time and that there aren’t really words. He replied, ‘Dance the whole time? What’s the point of that?!?’”

—TINA, COLLEYVILLE

OUR KIDS What matters to you, your family, your children?

Our journalists cover the biggest stories impacting your child’s education, health and community.

Where there’s a story, we’ll be there.

Let us know what matters to you at dallasnews.com/matters

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Have your baby at the “Best Place” to have one.

Texas Health Fort Worth was voted “Best Place to Have a Baby”

by FortWorthChild readers.

From compassionate and quality nursing care, family-focused rooms and a Level III NICU, to prenatal yoga, breastfeeding support and a wide variety of childbirth classes, Texas Health Fort Worth is honored to be recognized for our maternity services. It’s another reason why more families choose Texas Health to welcome their babies each year than any other health system in North Texas.

So when you’re ready to be a mom, rest assured you’ll be in good hands.

1-877-THR-WELL TexasHealth.org/FW-Moms

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2020